Maybe not *the* only reason to visit Philadelphia but very high on my list was catching organist Peter Richard Conte in action at the Macy’s department store in Center City. Watching this again reminds me how cool this was to hear a regularly scheduled concert, free and open to the public, by a world class musician and performer.
Mozart called the organ the “king of instruments”, and throughout much of the 18 and 19th centuries it could be said that the organ maintained its regal reign. The instrument’s association with the church, however, is largely responsible for the organ being ousted from its kingliness in the 20th century.
Seeing Peter Richard Conte play reminded me that most organs are situated in lofts or otherwise set up so that no one can actually see the performer play. The Wanamaker’s Organ must be among the few where the performer can actually be seen at work. It was a beautiful sound and experience. If you go to hear this yourself I’d recommend standing downstairs, not on the 2nd floor, where this video was recorded. The sound is just better downstairs, and if you get there early enough you might score a seat in the shoe department!
